Family Disaster Preparation Kit

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones for days. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Prepare Your Kit

Review the checklist.

Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.

Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container-suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*).

Possible Containers Include

A large, covered trash container

A camping backpack

A duffle bag

Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day.

Keep at least a 3-day supply of water per person (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of thee following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned fruits

Ready-to-eat canned meats

Ready-to-eat canned vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

Antiseptic

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Moistened towelettes

Needle

Non-prescription drugs

Scissors

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Sunscreen

Thermometer

Tongue 2

Triangular 3

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Tweezers

Non-Prescription Drugs

Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Antacid (for stomach upset)

Anti-diarrhea medication

Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

Laxative

Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools & Supplies

Aluminum foil

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Cash or traveler's checks, change

Compass

Emergency preparedness manual

Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type

Flashlight and extra batteries

Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Matches in a waterproof container

Medicine dropper

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils

Needles, thread

Non-electric can opener, utility knife

Paper, pencil

Plastic sheeting

Plastic storage containers

Pliers

Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

Signal flare

Tape

Tube tent

Whistle

Sanitation

Disinfectant

Feminine supplies

Household chlorine bleach

Personal hygiene items

Plastic bucket with tight lid

Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

Soap, liquid detergent

Toilet paper, towelettes

Clothing & Bedding

Blankets or sleeping bags

Hat and gloves

Include at least 1 complete change of clothing and footwear per person

Rain gear

Sturdy shoes or work boots

Sunglasses

Thermal underwear

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.